Elon Musk’s most controversial moves in 2025

Elon Musk is a constant presence in the tech world’s most dramatic moments — a figure who rarely shies away from controversy and often finds himself at the center of headline-making debates.

And like every passing year, 2025 was another year filled with the Tesla CEO’s clashes, controversies, and headline-dominating moments. 

From political feuds to cultural flashpoints, Musk’s actions managed to shake governments, outrage communities, and ignite social-media firestorms.

Let's take a look at some of the most shocking and widely discussed Musk controversies of 2025.

1. Nazi salute gesture during Trump’s inauguration

In January 2025, Musk attended Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration but it was the celebration rally at Capital One Arena that set the internet ablaze.

Musk performed a straight-arm gesture with his hand over his heart, a move many viewers immediately likened to a Nazi salute. 

Commentators debated whether it was political symbolism, poor judgment, or linked to Musk’s self-reported Asperger’s syndrome — a former diagnosis now considered part of the broader Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

He also fueled outrage by appearing virtually at a campaign event for Germany’s far-right AfD, praising leader Alice Weidel and criticising multiculturalism.

2. 'Cruel' email to federal employees

In February, Musk invited criticism after an email with a subject line: “What did you do last week?” was sent to government employees requesting detailed weekly summaries. 

Musk amplified it on social media, warning that “failure to respond will be taken as a resignation”, even though the internal email never mentioned resignations at all.

3. Falling out with Trump

After donating heavily to Trump’s 2024 campaign and earning a top government role as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk’s relationship with the president soured by mid-2025. 

Musk also criticised Trump’s massive spending bill as a “disgusting abomination,” sparking a public feud. 

4. Call to cancel Netflix

Later this year, Musk plunged himself into a cultural debate by urging followers to “Cancel Netflix for the health of your kids.” 

His comments were tied to conservative outrage surrounding the animated series Dead End: Paranormal Park, which features a transgender character.

5. Dispute with the British prime minister

Musk’s feud with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer grew into an international spectacle. He accused Starmer of covering up grooming gang scandals during his time as Director of Public Prosecutions. 

Musk escalated further by accusing the government of “two-tier policing,” supporting far-right figures, and even suggesting the US should “liberate” Britain from tyranny. 

6. EU fines and attacks

Musk ended the year locked in a heated war with Brussels after the EU fined X €120 million under the Digital Services Act for “deceptive” blue-check designs and transparency failures. 

Musk fired back by calling the ruling “insane” and declaring that the EU should be abolished, directing personal attacks at European officials. 

The clash has marked one of the most dramatic confrontations between a Silicon Valley CEO and the European bloc to date.